No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) successfully hosted its third webinar, attracting 120 attendees interested in potato seed storage and disease management. Experts shared strategies on best practices, handling, and disease prevention. NAPSO aims to reach more industry professionals, emphasizing collaborative learning. Future webinars will continue to focus on effective storage management strategies, and resources are available on NAPSO’s website.
The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) will host a webinar, “Storing for Success: Protecting Potato Seed & Preventing Disease,” on February 24, 2025, at 10am PST/1pm EST. Featuring experts Kasia Duellman and James Alford, the session will cover seed storage, shipping practices, treatment methods, and crucial planting considerations. Attendees can join via Microsoft Teams by contacting NAPSO for registration details.
In 2024, the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group in the UK released data from 102 potato samples stored in 2023/24, previously treated with chlorpropham (CIPC). Of the samples, 78 were below the Limit of Detection, while one exceeded the temporary maximum residue level (tMRL). The Group emphasizes the need for continued monitoring data from the industry to maintain the tMRL and requests 125 samples for future assessments.
New research in the UK aims to enhance potato dormancy and storage life, crucial for maintaining year-round supplies. Following the ban of the sprouting-inhibiting chemical CIPC, storage life has declined. Cranfield University collaborates with PepsiCo and Solynta to develop new potato varieties that extend storage, reduce energy use, and minimize chemicals, ultimately decreasing food waste and environmental impact while ensuring high-quality supplies for consumers.
The Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine announced plans to build private vegetable storage facilities in 2025, supporting small farmers and enhancing agricultural efficiency. Currently, large companies produce only 450,000 tons of potatoes, primarily from small households. The initiative aims to facilitate retail operations and processing by optimizing supply predictions. Additionally, a new large farm for cucumbers and tomatoes will launch in Lviv using vertical farming techniques.
A study published in the European Journal of Agronomy highlights agronomic and storage factors affecting the frying color of French fries. The research emphasizes cultivar selection, nitrogen fertilization, and consistent irrigation to manage reducing sugars. Additionally, optimal storage temperatures between 8°C and 12°C are crucial to prevent cold-induced sweetening. Implementing these practices can enhance potato quality and minimize waste in the supply chain.
The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) will participate in the NPC Potato Expo on January 9-10 in Orlando, Florida, focusing on key potato storage issues. The event includes a panel discussion with experts addressing storage management challenges and a special member meeting for idea exchange. NAPSO encourages engagement through exhibitor posters for discussing storage solutions, inviting all industry stakeholders to connect and learn.
Mick Haith has retired after 47 years with the UK’s leading vegetable handling machinery manufacturer, Haith. Joining at 16, Mick progressed from painting bulkers to becoming procurement director. His contributions were recognized by managing director Duane Hill. Mick expressed pride in the company’s achievements and looks forward to rebuilding classic motorbikes while remaining supportive of Haith’s future under current leadership.
Restrain is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Crop Services (Scotland) Ltd, a premier provider of agronomic advice and services in Scotland. This strategic alliance promises to deliver sustainable and cost-effective storage solutions to Scottish farmers, enhancing the agricultural landscape. This collaboration is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Haith, alongside Fox Solutions, will showcase innovations in packhouse technology and box filling at the Potato Expo in Orlando on January 9-10. Highlighting their QuantaFill box filler and the popular Root-Veg Polisher, they address the increasing trend of box storage among large-scale potato growers. Rob Highfield emphasizes their solutions in response to labor shortages and operational efficiency needs in the industry.
Codex Alimentarius has confirmed the safety of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) for potatoes, enhancing dormancy and controlling sprouting. Following a rigorous review, the maximum residue level was adopted in November 2024. 1,4-DMN, marketed as 1,4SIGHT and 1,4SEED, is approved in regions like the EU and USA. This regulatory backing facilitates international trade for potato producers, ensuring safety and quality during storage and transport.
The YouTube video titled “Potato Farming & Processing – Start to Finish” by Farm World outlines the detailed journey of potatoes from farm to table. It covers essential stages such as land preparation, planting, harvesting, curing, and processing, emphasizing the meticulous care involved in each step. With insightful visuals, the video underscores the labor and technology essential for producing high-quality potatoes, making it an enlightening watch.
Retail potato demand in Ireland is expected to rise due to cold weather and the holiday season, as noted in a recent IFA report. Consumption has increased with dropping temperatures, and most growers have completed their harvest ahead of frost. In Europe, liftings are all but finished, and prices vary. The U.K. faces quality issues with bruising and storage problems.
On November 4, 2024, during a NAPSO webinar, Dr. Vijay K. Choppakatla, Director of Research and Development at BioSafe Systems, discussed the use of Peracetic Acid (PAA) in combating potato storage diseases. He highlighted various storage diseases, emphasizing preventative measures both in the field and storage. PAA serves as a powerful disinfectant, effectively reducing pathogens when applied in different methods like fogging and spraying.
DOWNS has launched the CropVision Plus, a high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes, featuring enhanced processors, advanced lighting, and a user-friendly interface. Set to debut at Interpom 2024, it promises precision and speed. The upcoming 2025 operating system will add onion sorting and real-time monitoring. Additionally, the MyCropVision app offers centralized access to information and alerts, enhancing customer support.
Potato Storage Insight (PSI) announces bookings are open for its Potato Store Managers’ Course in 2025, led by Adrian Cunnington. Scheduled for March 4-5, 2025, at The Greetham Valley Hotel, the two-day course includes an optional BASIS qualification exam. Focusing on storage management, the program features expert trainers and interactive sessions. An early bird discount of £50 is available until December 31.
Fresh-pack potato processors face worker shortages for final inspection, leading to defects and waste. The SiftAI Robotic Sorter automates this process with AI-based vision, ensuring accurate grading and increasing profits while reallocating human resources. With high speed and dexterity comparable to human inspectors, it significantly reduces defects and cut costs, paying for itself in under two years. The system is now available for order.
On November 4, 2024, the North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) hosted its second webinar titled “Potato Storage: The First 45 Days,” attracting 168 participants. Experts Addie Waxman, Eric Evans, and Vijay Choppakatla discussed strategies for potato quality, sprout control, and disease prevention. The recording is available online. NAPSO also prepares for upcoming trade shows, continuing its commitment to the potato industry’s education and support.
Restrain has appointed Yotam Guetta as the new Head of Technology, bringing extensive experience from Infarm in sustainable agriculture and AgriTech. Yotam will focus on enhancing application methods for various crops and improving remote storage solutions. Restrain, known for its ethylene technology in potato storage, aims to innovate further under Yotam’s leadership, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and advanced agricultural practices.
The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) has launched a Safety Resources section on its website to enhance worker safety and operational efficiency in potato storage facilities. This resource includes guidelines on personal protective equipment, machinery operation, and emergency preparedness, vital for reducing workplace accidents.
Biofresh Safestore has enhanced its ethylene-based potato sprout suppressant system by introducing a CO2 monitor and ‘Pulsed Start’ functionality. The CO2 monitor allows for automated CO2 management, improving fry-colours in processing crops. The Pulsed Start feature gradually introduces ethylene, reducing its impact on potato quality. These additions can be retrofitted to existing systems, ensuring cost-effectiveness and improved control for growers.
The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) has released a video and article focused on enhancing workplace safety in potato storage facilities. The video outlines crucial safety protocols including employee training, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, machinery operation, and emergency preparedness. NAPSO emphasizes the importance of creating a safety-first culture, helping industry professionals protect workers and improve operational efficiency in storage practices across North America.
The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) will host a webinar titled “Potato Storage: The First 45 Days” on November 4 at 10 AM PST, aimed at potato farmers and industry professionals. The event focuses on crucial post-harvest storage practices and features expert speakers discussing temperature, humidity management, disease control, and sprout prevention. Registration is open via Emily Merk at contact@napso.info.
The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) celebrates the formation of its Central Committee, a significant development in its mission to enhance potato storage and handling practices in North America. This committee includes diverse industry experts such as Nathan Gelles, Todd Forbush, Kristie Steffen, and 8 others. Their expertise is vital for advancing NAPSO’s goals of sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in the potato industry.
The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) hosted a webinar titled “Preparing for a Successful Storage Season,” featuring Todd Forbush from Techmark, Inc. Forbush highlighted best practices in potato storage, emphasizing soil management, variety selection, cultural practices, and weather monitoring. He stressed the importance of pre-harvest sugar analysis and proper cooling strategies. Additionally, he discussed disease management and the critical role of industry collaboration for continuous improvement.
